Russia only have one confirmed absentee in the form of Fedor Kudryashov for their opening fixture of Euro 2020 with Belgium on Saturday night.

The 34-year-old defender was forced to miss the team's recent friendly victory over Bulgaria due to a calf problem and will not be ready for the weekend, but Russia are otherwise good to go for their clash on familiar territory in St Petersburg.

Kudrayshov's absence guarantees starts in defence for Georgiy Dzhikiya and Andrei Semenov, while Dmitri Barinov could also deputise after facial injuries sustained in the win over Bulgaria were not deemed to be serious.

Mario Fernandes will hope to force his way back into the team over Vyacheslav Karavaev on the right, while 37-year-old Yuri Zhirkov could lose his place on the opposite flank to Daler Kuzyaev.

There were initial doubts over midfielder Roman Zobnin but he is good to go for this game, and he should be partnered in midfield by Zenit St Petersburg's Magomed Ozdoev, who is now set to step foot onto the Gazprom Arena turf in Russia colours.

Two highly-regarded playmakers in Monaco's Aleksandr Golovin and Aleksey Miranchuk of Atalanta BC should provide support to the lone striker, who will be none other than the prolific Artem Dzyuba.

The 32-year-old is one goal away from becoming Russia's joint-top goalscorer of all time - an accolade currently held by Aleksandr Kerzhakov - and his 14 goal contributions in qualifying could only be beaten by Harry Kane.

Winger Andrey Mostovoy has been forced to withdraw due to a positive coronavirus test, meanwhile, so Roman Evgeniev has been called up in his place.

Russia possible starting lineup: Shunin; Barinov, Dzhikiya, Semenov; Fernandes, Zobnin, Ozdoev, Kuzyaev; Miranchuk, Golovin; Dzyuba

> Click here to see how Belgium could line up for this clash

Written by
Ben Knapton